Text any question to 63336 (UK) or 57275 (Ireland)
We Need Answers - the inaugural Edinburgh Cup sponsored by AQA 63336
7th to 26th August 2007 - led by award winning comedian Mark Watson, assisted by Alex Horne and Tim Key, the Edinburgh fringe show "We Need Answers" was a quiz with a difference. All 16 contestants were top ranking comedians, and the questions set to them were ones that had been texted to AQA 63336.
Taking place over 15 nights starting at midnight, the show was a sell out hit with the fringe audience. The first round winners were Paul Sinha,
David O'Doherty, Simon Amstell, Daniel Kitson, Josie Long,
Lucy Porter,
Frank Skinner and
Brendon Burns.
Typical questions thrown at the contestants include - "What's your height in baked bean cans?"; "How far could you blow a tennis ball into the audience?"; "How small would you be if you doubled up?" as well as the more mundane "How many shoes are there in the world?" and "Which is more popular - carol without an e or carole with an e". Contestants were not only asked to provide answers, but also proof that they were correct. After 12 nights of limbo dancing, counting beans in tins and threading lace through hula hoops the semi finalists were Josie Long vs
Brendon Burns and Paul Sinha vs
Lucy Porter. Josie and Paul ended up going through to the grand final on Sunday, 26th August.
The prize, up for grabs, was an electric scooter decked out with bells, whistles and the odd 63336 logo. Josie was hotly tipped by the audience to win, but both contestants displayed signs of nervousness as the final, held at the Pleasance in Edinburgh, extended its one hour slot until 2 in the morning. Paul Sinha held his nerve and eventually won through in the end. Gracious in his win, Paul immediately auctioned off the scooter to the audience, raising £1,000 for a local AIDS charity.
The Daily Telegraph reported that "Uber-genius Mark Watson has created a hit in We Need Answers" and "It was simple uncomplicated good fun, but what struck me was just how well executed the idea was. I predict this will be a massive hit." The writer of this wonderful piece? Paul Sinha himself. Thanks Paul, and well done on winning the Edinburgh Cup.
